Earth analog planet with more than 3 convection cells per hemisphere

Is it possible for an earth analog planet* to have more than 3 convection cells per hemisphere?

In our system we only have Jupiter and Saturn with 20 atmospheric bands, even Uranus and Neptune have only 3 bands. So why should a fourth cell appear instead of simply having a larger mid latitude cell? And if it is possible what condition does it needs?

For what I know a faster rotation rate should be the key factor, as described here: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~showman/publications/showman-etal-exoplanets-review-revised.pdf (pag 14 and 34) But how much precisely is needed for a new cell to appear?

Also a smaller axial inclination should reduce the equatorial and the polars cells (Milankovitch cycles), but i don't know if it can be of any relevance. Can also others characteristic of the planet like surface area, gravity and atmospheric density influence the likeability (or less likeability) of having a 4th cell?

*Rocky planet in an habitable zone with a volcanic activity and magnetosphere compatible with terrestrial pluricellular carbon-water life, also with a surface gravity close to 1G and with water oceans (anyway the swamp-planet model is perfect of course), other characteristics, like atmosphere density/thickness and surface area of the planet etc... can be adapted to the needs.

posted almost 8 years ago

Davide Testa‭

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